Fans of James Kennedy's The Order of Odd-Fish have not been shy about sharing their ideas of what the intriguing world of Eldritch City looks like. Owing to the great fan art he's received, James is joining forces with Collaboraction to put on an Odd-Fish extravaganza in Spring 2010. The show will feature a gallery of Odd-Fish fan art and a Dome of Doom costumed dance party, which should be quite the sight. To gear up for the show, James is welcoming the work of all Odd-Fish loving artists out there and asking them to send their pieces to him for inclusion in the gallery. The deadline is March 1, so get out your favorite creative medium and show us what you think Eldritch and all of its eccentric inhabitants look like. In need of some inspiration? All of the pieces James has received so far can be seen here.
— Veronica Bond /
Get inspired by your dark side: the Tribune is holding "The Great Chicago Ghost Story Contest" and is accepting submissions from all, non-Tribune-employed writers. All your story has to do is be previously unpublished, mention at least one Chicago location or business, be no more than 700 and be suitable for a family newspaper (keep it clean, people!). Otherwise, let your imagination run wild. Tribune critic Julia Keller will select the winning story which will be published in the paper's Arts & Entertainment section and the writer will receive a CD recording of the story read the by haunting, gravelly tones of Rick Kogan. Submissions are due by midnight on October 25 and, as they are received, the best pieces will be published online where readers can vote on their favorites.
— Veronica Bond /
Each year the Reader publishes new and great voices in Chicago fiction and they recently posted on their blog that they are currently open to submissions for this year's issue. Past contributors include such recognizable names as Keir Graff, Elizabeth Crane and Adam Langer. Join this panethon of celebrated local fiction by becoming a part of their 9th annual issue, to be published in December, by emailing your submissions to fiction[at]chicagoreader[dot]com.
— Veronica Bond /